Chris Johnson's three RBIs lead Houston Astros over Indians, 7-1

The victory gave Houston a series win for the first time since taking two of three from the White Sox June 8-10.

Posted: June 25, 2012 - 6:21am

ASSOCIATED PRESS

KRISTIE RIEKEN

HOUSTON — Chris Johnson’s recent adjustments at the plate are paying off for the Houston Astros.

Johnson homered and drove in three runs and J.D. Martinez hit a two-run homer to lead the Astros to a 7-1 win over the Cleveland Indians on Sunday.

The victory gave Houston a series win for the first time since taking two of three from the White Sox June 8-10.

Johnson has heated up lately with 10 hits in the last five games after getting just one in the previous five. He’s had five RBIs in the last two games after not driving in a run in the previous 11 games.

He and Houston manager Brad Mills attributed his success to some tweaks Johnson made after talking with hitting coach Mike Barnett.

“We talked about being short to the ball and trying to keep my swing from getting long and trying to stay away from being pull-happy,” Johnson said. “So those things, staying in the middle of the field, being short, have helped me out a lot.”

Along with the homer, Johnson had two singles on Sunday, both of which came with two strikes.